One week to go

 

Image : Dg Studio /Dreamstime 
How did that happen? The longest campaign in history is nearly finished. Some have been battling covid or I can't believe it's not covid. Some have had other family issues to deal with. There is plenty of sickness around and it is unpleasant. We have had various sorts of debates which have created interest. We have the cheerful turquoise colours of the independents to brighten the dull days. We have valued Simon Holmes à Court's support of climate action via political platforms and candidates because how on earth are we going to otherwise get it on the agenda? His plan for creating change has been a good one. We have valued the contributions of energetic , intelligent candidates who may or may not have been confused with other candidates. We have enjoyed watching journalists learn that the campaign is not about them . It is about us and our country. So many candidates have been busy, positive and hard working. They have been visible in their electorates. So many candidates have gone unseen and unpresent. Postal votes and early polling have been bubbling along. The change will come. We know last time everyone and everything we trusted pointed to a Shorten government. We have not forgotten the pain of how that felt that this was not the case. That still has not been properly explained. Oh yes, there are the Palmer millions, the gullible franking credits public and a few other things . Mr . Morrison won by one seat. One seat. We are wary but in a week, our life will be different because we have found our voice, our intellect and our humour. This time next week we shall be winding up for election evening and it will be great. 

Election fatigue

 Image: Clipart Library

We are over it. Clichés are the only way to describe how we feel. We have Covid confusion and exasperation fatigue. It is now SARS-2 , apparently. The masks are off and people are just getting sick. Coupled with that , each day we face another lot of election stuff and nonsense, mostly brought to us by crabby media people. Today we returned to gaffe territory. Phone reliant press attendees fire off questions from their trusty phones and woe betide any politician who fails the daily speed and accuracy questions. Shame on any politician who might need to consult with someone who can provide an accurate answer. These media people would only need to stand in the shoes of a politician to know that a barrage of questions when you have been campaigning non stop for weeks, with or without  Covid, is daunting. Some politicians can keep smiling. Other don’t. Some don’t fall for the speed and accuracy , chook shed slapping approach and just continue to provide good information. It is not a competent way to get rounded answers from anyone and considering these people can’t even remember a question and need their phones to prompt them , then it is just very silly and petty. Media people are going to have to dig deeper, remind themselves of their real skills and forget this quick and dirty approach to interviews and questioning. Some journalists are doing a great job. They are relaxed. They showcase their skills and they give the person being interviewed an opportunity to delve into their knowledge and policies. Those journalists are allowing us to know candidates and parties. They even allow for some genuine humour and lighter moments. Questioning on fast forward is pointless. It just creates frustration for viewers/listeners and participants. 

Then there are the teal candidates. The colour of their brochures isn’t teal. It is turquoise and I am sure a Pantone colour chart would identify the colour accurately. The teal candidates are independents but some Liberals have also adopted this colour. It is a good colour but for a Liberal candidate, it is not their colour. Candidates are their character and history. Independents are independent and we have a strong field of them this election. Many of them are well credentialled, articulate, thoughtful people. The Liberals not flying under their blue colour means what? They don’t identify with their party? They love teal which actually not teal? They want to be thought of as independent? They haven’t explained it so we don’t know. 

Our early voting polling booths  will be open on Monday next week. Many can’t wait to vote because most people just want the election done and dusted. They know how they are going to vote. Since 1901 Australia federal elections have been by secret ballot. Always bothers me there are phone and online  polls and social media people who want to know how you vote. We should respect our silent vote. Meanwhile, it is back to the election trail and may the last couple of weeks be worthy of us. 

Clark steps down after election defeat

"She's been a fighter in good times and bad times, and I think it's that that's earned her respect."

it wasn't a very eventful election and the New Zealanders do need to get a chance to change and liven up. Helen Clark has been very comfortable as their leader and she has been able to take a strong stand on many issues of benefit for NZ. She is very steady and very competent but 9 years is a long time to be at the top and she well and truly has earned her rest. Of course she will be sad to leave the position. Of course she will feel like it is her fault. John Key will have a chance to shape NZ the way they appear to want it,but I think they can look back on the Clark years as stable ones even if she has done some things they haven't liked. On the whole she has made NZ a strong place. John Key seems pleasant enough so it will be interesting to see how it all goes. Bit odd NZ is leaning to the right when most other places are leaning a bit to the left. Not that it makes much difference these days.

Clark steps down after election defeat - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)